Associate Professor of Fashion Design
Parsons School of Design | New York City

John Bauernfeind is a fashion designer, illustrator, and educator based in New York City. He is an Associate Professor of Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design, where he brings over 18 years of teaching experience and a global design perspective to the classroom.

He holds an MA in Menswear from Central Saint Martins in London and a BFA in Fashion Design with a focus on Womenswear from Parsons. His industry experience spans international roles at CK Jeans, Pollini/Aeffe, and BCBG/PVH, along with a collaboration designing costumes for French performance artist Orlan.

In addition to his teaching, John has held key academic leadership roles, including Associate Director of Curriculum at Parsons, Chair of Fashion at California College of the Arts, and Director of Graduate Fashion Design at the Academy of Art University.

John’s teaching philosophy and creative practice explore the themes of identity, belonging, and systems of dressing. He believes that fashion is more than a visual language—it is a cultural force that shapes narratives, fosters connection, and expresses care. His work centers the role of the designer as a cultural witness and storyteller, capable of envisioning new forms and futures in a rapidly changing world.